The troubleshooting steps for most of these problems are essentially the same.
How to Fix Second-Monitor Problems on Windows and macOS
Restart the computer.
This is a classic troubleshooting step because it often works.
Change the screen resolution.
If the frame rate or resolution is incorrect, adjust it there.
Adjust the scaling controls.
If the windows display in different sizes on different monitors in Windows 10, adjust the scaling tweaks.
The recommended setting will match the apparent window size across monitors as closely as possible.
In macOS, navigate toSystem Preferences > Displays.
SelectDefault for display, or pressScaledand choose the correct resolution.
Fix discoloration and color accuracy.
(On macOS, usedisplay calibration.)
Every monitor is different, butColororDisplay Depthare the typical terms.
Other causes of color issues include different display panels, backlights,technologies, and age.
If you need an exact match, consider professional-grade photo-editing monitors.
Adjust the monitor’s refresh rate.
Monitors are built to work at particular refresh rates.
In macOS, navigate toSystem Preferences>Displays, and adjust theRefresh Ratedrop-down menu.
Swap out the current cable.
A bad cable is the most common culprit when the monitor shows artifacts or no picture at all.
Very long and poorly shielded cables are especially prone to interference.
Good cables don’t need to cost a fortune.
Gold-plated connectors and oxygen-free copper don’t provide any noticeable differences in image quality.
However, poorly constructed cables can lead to issues.
Purchase a cable from a trusted manufacturer.Monopriceoffers an excellent combination of affordability and reliable quality.
Try the cable in alternate ports on the PC, the display, or both.
Change only one at a time, so you’re free to pinpoint which ports caused the problem.
see to it the cable supports the correct version of the display standard.
If the cable doesn’t support your display, replace it with a cable that does.
Remove any switches or converters from the signal chain.
If possible, remove or replace dongles and switches temporarily.
If the simpler connection works, the removed machine is to blame.
Be sure to remove one gear at a time for proper troubleshooting.
Try a different display interface.
For example, if the second monitor is currently connected over HDMI, use Display Port instead.
This can accomplish a few things.
Update the computer’s display drivers.
If you have a third-party discrete graphics card,update the drivers from the manufacturer.
Lower the image quality.
For games, try the lowest-quality parameters first, then gradually improve the quality until the issue reappears.
For video content, try a lower resolution or a less demanding frame rate.
Check the power connections.
If themonitor doesn’t turn on, try different power connectors or wall outlets.
Test wall outlets with other devices before plugging in the monitor to ensure those devices work properly.
Check the monitor’s input options.
Most monitors have an auto-detect feature that automatically switches to the connector receiving the signal.
When that doesn’t work, set the display connector manually.
ensure the monitor can display the content sent to it.
Does the monitor have sufficientcolor gamut,resolution, orbit depthto display the content properly?
Consult the monitor’s documentation or the monitor manufacturer’s website.
If none of these steps fix the problem, you might need to replace the monitor.
Thesedisplay issues can be fixed similarly on macOS.
the app you’re using or display drivers), or there’s an issue with the physical connection.
check that the second monitor is plugged in and turned on, then restart the computer.
Your monitor orientation may not be set up properly.
OpenSystem Preferencesand selectDisplay>Arrangement, making sure thatMirror Displaysis turned off.
